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Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC has delivered the second police dog from its new funding initiative to the Code Blue K9 program — in time for this year’s GivingTuesday on December 2.The manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment is committed to funding training for a new police dog every year. Having placed a dog, named ‘Ozkar’, at the City of New Hampton Police Department in 2024, the Pleasant Hill Police Department, also in Iowa, will become the latest recipient of a fully trained animal.When Shawn Hoffman, a Pleasant Hill Officer, takes delivery of the dog, it will be trained in narcotics detection; patrol work; building and article search; tracking; criminal apprehension; and vehicle searches. Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, leads 13-week training programs — even utilizing an out-building on the property of OZ Lifting’s new 40,000 square-foot facility.Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “I know Trace through our local YMCA. He has a training center where he lives, but utilizes several different buildings in the Winona area, including our place of work. There are many police departments that would love to have a dog on staff but can’t afford the upfront cost. My wife, Jane, and I felt this was another way to give back to the community.”The Midwest faces ongoing challenges related to narcotics. Police K9 units are vital in combating these issues, providing efficient and effective drug detection, while enhancing community safety. The successful introduction of a dog to the City of New Hampton Police Department is further evidence of the value of the Code Blue K9 program — and ongoing funding.If there is a police department in another city looking for a dog, they are invited to send a written request outlining how they will use the animal in their community. If multiple departments are looking, a decision will be made on which one gets the next dog to be trained.Napieralski added: “We are always accepting applications; they can either go directly to Trace or mark inquiries for my attention. Trace’s classes fill up fast — because of his expertise, his programs are always in high demand. It’s no surprise that Trace won a special award with one of his K9s, while he was still in law enforcement.”As part of the agreement, OZ Lifting-funded dogs that pass through Erickson’s program will have ‘OZ’ somewhere in their name, as is the case with ‘OZkar’, at the City of New Hampton Police Department.A serial philanthropist, OZ has also donated to the American Legion, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and Winona Area Humane Society. It also supports local youth sports, schools, and organizations such as the Rotary Club. Anyone interested in supporting Code Blue K9 programs, should contact OZ Lifting for details.GivingTuesday, referred to as #GivingTuesday on social media, is always the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the U.S.'OZkar', OZ's first K9, gifted in 2024. He graduated the 2025 K9 training program this year.Steve and Jane Napieralski, of OZ Lifting Products, present Chief Pizzano and Lt. Grimes from the Pleasant Hill Police Department with a $12,000 donation for the acquisition and training of a specially imported K9. This dog will be trained in the 2026 course.Trainees and officers from across the Midwest travel to OZ Lifting Products’ facility in Winona, MN to complete Code Blue training courses in the OZ outbuilding.The first dog to complete the program, ‘OZkar’, is handled by Chief Conrad Rosendahl, of the New Hampton Police Dept., Iowa.For more information on OZ Lifting Products, visit www.OZLiftingProducts.comContactAshley BlumMarketing Manager, OZ Lifting Products LLChello@ozliftingproducts.com+1 507-474-6250 Ext. 110www.ozliftingproducts.com
Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC has launched a new line of stainless steel davit cranes, components and accessories, designed for corrosive, sanitary, and wash-down environments. The range is available to order from June 1.The Stainless 850 and 1500 Davit Cranes, of 850 lbs. and 1,500 lbs. capacity respectively, become the company’s seventh davit family. They are available as complete stainless systems, with a full ecosystem of bases, winches, and accessories designed to work together.Expansion of the stainless steel series reinforces the company’s commitment to specialized high-performance industries. Type 304 stainless steel construction makes the cranes suitable to use in a multitude of demanding markets, including aerospace; chemical processing; electronics; food processing; mining; pharmaceuticals; manufacturing; textiles; and water treatment. The range offers superior resistance to rust, contamination, and long-term degradation.Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “Back when I first started attending WEFTEC [Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition & Conference] in the late 80s, it was a real eye-opener. I kept hearing the same question, ‘Does that davit crane come in stainless?’ At the time, the answer was almost always, ‘No’. Stainless steel was just too cost-prohibitive, so options were limited or fully custom. But the need was clear. These environments are tough… constant moisture, harsh chemicals, tight spaces… and people needed something durable, portable, and built to handle it. That stuck with me over the years. We saw a real gap there, not just in wastewater, but across industries like food processing, cleanrooms, and marine applications. This launch is our answer to a question that’s been asked for decades.”Fully compatible with existing OZ davits and components, the landmark product launch allows customers to upgrade or expand selectively without replacing entire systems. The Stainless 850 and 1500 Davit Cranes support mix-and-match configurations between stainless and standard components, based on application needs, while providing a cost-effective path to transition into stainless steel for corrosive or sanitary environments.Napieralski added: “Where customers have previously been forced into custom or suboptimal solutions, we now have a full stainless steel davit crane and component offering. Designed to our modular, application-focused approach, one crane can be used across multiple base installations, reducing downtime when moving between work areas.”Individually load tested to 125% capacity, the Stainless 850 and 1500 Davit Cranes meet NSF H1 food-grade standards. They become available with a full suite of supporting stainless products, including pedestal, socket, and wall bases; mast extension; wire rope holder; headache ball; backing plate; rope assemblies; and manual brake winch.Other key product features include electropolished finish, offering corrosion resistance and easy cleaning; 2.5:1 safety factor; a drill drive winch; and integrated Weston brake. All OZ Lifting davit cranes have the same basic features: U.S.-Patented tool-free assembly; corrosion-resistant finish; and quick connect pin system, which ensures tool-free assembly. AC- or DC-powered winches are optional.This latest release expands a portfolio of stainless steel products that already includes lever hoists, chain hoists, beam clamps, push beam trolleys, and manual brake winches, widely used in environments where food-grade and cleanroom standards are required.New stainless steel davit crane products are available from June 1.For more information on OZ Lifting Products visit ozliftingproducts.com
Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC is celebrating 20 years in business.The manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment was inaugurated on December 4, 2004 with two staff; today, it has 25 full-time employees, a distributor network across North America, and is preparing to relocate for a fourth time.Even as the company celebrates the milestone, expansion into a state-of-the-art 40,000 square-foot facility is on the horizon. The new five-acre property, on Innovation Drive in its home town, is four times larger than the current building.Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “The new space will provide us with ample room for growth, including increased storage, more advanced testing capabilities, and the potential to expand our manufacturing operations. Most importantly, it will allow us to continue offering the exceptional service and high-quality products customers have come to rely on; while ensuring we maintain the safety standards that are at the core of our mission.”The company is perhaps best known for its range of davit cranes, including the 1,200-lbs. capacity U.S. Patented CompOZite model that is made from advanced composite material and weighs only 83 lbs. The CompOZite Elite, meanwhile, is the world’s most innovative davit crane, offering the same capacity with a total crane weight of only 37 lbs.The recently relaunched Tele-Pro davit crane, also U.S. Patented, and available in 500 lbs., 1,200 lbs. and 2,500 lbs. capacities, allows users to leverage the benefits of the manufacturer’s other cranes, while telescoping the boom in and out under load. Among other davits and accessories are manual and electric hoists and winches, in addition to a range of beam trolleys, clamps, and wire rope products.Napieralski said: “We’ve come a long way. I started in the lifting industry in 1988, working for a manufacturer of equipment, before I opened my first business in 1995, which was a manufacturer representative company, specializing in the lifting and rigging business.“Prior to launching [OZ], I was nine years into my rep business, uneasy about the 30-day contracts. I knew I had strong relationships with all the distributors that I called on, so I thought, why not leverage them? I was fortunate to meet two Australians that were looking for a U.S. exclusive distributor of their hoist equipment.”The backbone of the company’s initial offering was a manual lever and chain hoist, equipped with overload protection; this has now grown into the Premium series. U.S.-made products were soon added to the catalog, but today’s 540 stock-keeping units (SKUs) represent a combination of both domestically manufactured and imported products.Napieralski added: “The two-decade milestone and expansion are testaments to the strength of our business, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to continue growing and innovating in ways that will directly benefit our valued customers. If we keep doing what we do, treat coworkers and customers right, continue to bring innovation to market, carry inventory, etc., we will be in very good shape for the future.”OZ Lifting is continuing a recruitment effort to hire for several key roles.ContactAshley BlumMarketing Manager, OZ Lifting Products LLCashley@ozliftingproducts.com+1 507-474-6250 Ext. 110www.ozliftingproducts.com
Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC has expanded its K9 Guardian Program by committing to fund a second police dog every year, as Arcadia Police Department, Wisconsin became the latest beneficiary at a check presentation last week (July 1). The manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment had committed to funding training for a new police dog every year but based on the positive impact the program has had on local communities, this will be expanded with immediate effect to cover Spring and Fall donations.Having first placed a dog, named Ozkar, at the City of New Hampton Police Department in 2024, the Pleasant Hill Police Department, also in Iowa, was the next recipient of a fully trained animal, Ozlo. This year, Ozzy was welcomed by the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin, before the first Fall program will result in a fourth dog, Ozcar, bound for Arcadia.The K9 Guardian Program is aligned with the Code Blue K9 Program, led by Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer. Erickson oversees 12-week United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) training courses, even utilizing an out-building on the property of OZ Lifting’s 40,000 square-foot facility. As part of the agreement, OZ Lifting-funded dogs that pass through Erickson’s program will have ‘OZ’ somewhere in their name, as demonstrated by successful graduates, Ozkar, Ozlo and Ozzy.Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “We’ve seen firsthand the need for these units and the difference they make in their communities, and it continues a family legacy in that my father served as a police officer in Chicago; and my wife, Jane’s father was a Winona firefighter. Expanding the program was a natural next step; we’re excited to continue growing this initiative and to support even more K9 teams doing critical work in the field. It also reflects the company's commitment to giving back to communities throughout the Midwest.”Letter of requestAs the Guardian Program expands, law enforcement agencies have been reminded that they can submit a letter of request to Code Blue K9 or OZ Lifting Products, explaining the requirements of their department and community. Applications are reviewed based on likely impact, agency needs, and the additional benefits a K9 unit would provide. The goal is to help agencies that may not otherwise have the budget to acquire and train a police dog.Ozzy, for example, a German shorthair pointer, is a non-biting K9 and specializes in detection and patrol support. Erickson built the program around drug detection in addition to search and rescue. Chief Nic Scholl and future K9 officer, Mitchell Zastrow, at Arcadia, meanwhile, pointed to budget constraints and the retirement of an existing dog as a case study of the impact these animals have on the community. ‘A new police K9 would significantly enhance our ability to protect our citizens, assist in searches, support school safety initiatives, and respond more effectively to high-risk situations,’ they wrote.Zastrow added: “It’s exciting to become a first-time K9 handler. Ozcar will be a valuable member of the team, delivering full patrol duties, covering drugs, apprehension and tracking.”Napieralski said: “The program aligns with OZ's core values of reliability, trust, safety, service, and community involvement, while many employees are dog owners, creating a personal connection to the mission.“Police K9s provide valuable public safety services that extend well beyond criminal apprehension. Depending on the agency's needs, K9 teams may assist with tracking missing children, elderly individuals, and people with special needs; search and rescue operations; evidence recovery; community outreach and public engagement; and much more. The specialist units often allow situations to be resolved more safely for officers, suspects, and the public. Their presence alone can de-escalate situations and encourage compliance before force becomes necessary.”A serial philanthropist, OZ has also donated to the American Legion, Big Brothers Big Sisters,Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, National Child Safety Council, and YMCA.It also supports local youth sports, schools, and organizations such as the Rotary Club.
Industrial scissors lifts optimize the interface between people, equipment and materials within a facility.
Overhead Lifting Solutions are a simple way to increase the efficiency and productivity of your operation.
Overhead Lifting Solutions use the latest technology and provide a green solution for your operation.
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High Cycle Scissor Lift - Lifts and Lowers in 5 Seconds to keep a fast pace assembly line on schedule.
An aircraft maintenance re-manufacturing plant in Canada needed a safer, more productive process for disassembling and reassembling turbine engine reduction gear boxes without product damage. The operation utilized a motorized I-beam crane with an electric hoist to lift shafts from gear boxes.
An aircraft maintenance re-manufacturing plant in Canada needed a safer, more productive process for disassembling and reassembling turbine engine reduction gear boxes without product damage. The operation utilized a motorized I-beam crane with an electric hoist to lift shafts from gear boxes.
When a company specializes in building pre fabricated assemblies it pays to make the process as efficient as possible. For mechanical specialty contractor Murphy Company , its mission was to not only make pre fabricating its commercial and industrial plumbing assemblies more productive but also safer for employees. For the past few years, Murphy Company has relied on two Kelley KLT Series Scissor Lift Tables in its 24,000 square foot shop in St. Louis to achieve that goal.
The overhead lifting product groups of MHI (Crane (CMAA), Hoist (HMI) and Monorail (MMA) (collectively “CHM Partners”) and the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) entered a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful American workplaces in 2005. In this Alliance, the three product groups committed to provide information, guidance and training resources that could help protect the health and safety of worker and to help employers understand their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Alliance between OSHA and the CHM Partners has been recently renewed as Ambassador status. Documents that have been developed by the CHM Alliance can be found at https://www.osha.gov/alliances/cmaahmi-mma/cmaa-hmi-mma.
The Lift Manufacturers Product Section (LMPS) members are the resource for industry best practices, standards, information, and equipment that lifts, rotates, tilts, and otherwise positions materials. Industry scissors lifts and tilters can also improve the working interface between people and the materials they must move to reduce injury, increase productivity, and eliminate wasted motion, while providing a significant return on investment.
Palletizers are special machines capable of building a complete unit load on a pallet. Although the most common application is for cases, some palletizers can also handle sacks and bags. A less common palletizer application would be for special products such as sheet stock. There are two general methods employed for automatically building a full pallet. One makes use of a fixed position or overhead gantry robot with end effectors suited to the individual loads, such as vacuum lifts or a gripper. The other method employs more complex mechanisms for forming pallet layers off line, one at a time, and then shifting or transferring each successive layer onto the pallet as it is lowered via a lift/lower table.
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Performing work within the best and preferred work zones shown below facilitates productivity and comfort. Work is safest when lifting and reaching is performed in these zones. Working outside these work zones results in non-neutral postures that may increase the risk of injury. It is particularly important to perform heavy lifting tasks within the best work zone.
When you’re manufacturing product for a customer, the final step in the packaging process usually to place containers of products onto a pallet for shipping – either to a distribution center or directly to your customer – so it’s a pretty important step. However, manual palletization (employees physically putting containers on pallets) is often considered one of the least desirable activities; the containers are heavy to lift and in many cases the position on the pallet requires extended reaching. It can be a back breaking job and it may even be causing employee safety concerns for the company. But there is another option. Robotic palletizing exists, and it can be a solution for your company.